Valerian

Other Common Names: Wild valerian, German valerian, English valerian, All-heal, setwall.

Latin description: Valeriana officinalis.

Parts to use: Root.

Chemical constituents: acidic acid, butyric acid, isovalerianic acid, limonene, camphene, chatinine, choline, fvalerine, valeric acid, alkaloids, valtrate, didovaltrate, valerosidatum, volatile oils, sesquiter pene, pinene, formic acid, tannins, resins.

Actions: Antispasmodic, calmative, carminative, hypnotic, nervine, stomachic, anxiolytic.

Medicinal Uses & Benefits

Used as a natural tranquilizer> but NOT recommended for long term use.
Powerful nervine used for tension, anxiety, insomnia, stress, colic, migraine, rheumatism, muscle pain, menstrual and intestinal cramps, bronchial spasms, lingering cough, and tension headaches.
Sedative (reduces time required to fall asleep.
Ability to depress central nervous system and relax smooth muscle tissue.
Used for asthma, stress relief and sleep disturbances. Often used in combination with other sedative herbs like hops, passion flower and skullcap. Usually taken 30 min. before bedtime.
Chronic use produces headaches, insomnia, excitability, uneasiness, and heart disturbances, although it is not addictive.
Valerian should be regarded as for occasional use only.
INFUSION 1 = 1 tsp root in 1 pint water and steeped for 2 hours; drink cold.
INFUSION 2 = 1 level tsp valerian soaked in 1 C. cold water; cover and place in fridge for 12 to 24 hours; strain and drink 1 hour before bed.
TINCTURE = 1:3 ratio of root to alcohol/water; take 2 tsp per cup of water.

CAUTION: Avoid large doses and long term usage. It is
possible to become dependant upon it.
Dosage

Capsules: 2 “0” capsules 3x daily.
Decoction: Take no more than 3 ounces 3x daily. This is
not a starting dosage but should be started at a lower
dosage and work up to this.

HERBS & THEIR MEDICINAL USAGE (P-Z)

Parsley
Peppermint
Plantain
Pleurisy Root
Poke Root
Raspberry
Red Clover
Sarsaparilla
Shepherd's Purse
Skunk Cabbage
Slippery Elm
St. John's Wort
Valerian
Vervain
Violet
White Oak
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Yarrow
Yellow Dock

HERBAL CURE OF DISEASES

Acne
Anxiety
Bedwetting
Heart Disease
Herb Teas

HERBAL MEDICINE

Rules of Herbology
Herbal Glossary

HERBS & THEIR MEDICINAL USAGE (A-O)

Aloe
Arnica
Astragalus
Barberry
Black Cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blessed Thistle
Burdock
Butchers Broom
Catnip
Cat's Claw Herb
Cayenne
Chamomile
Chaparral
Chickweed
Cleavers
Couch Grass
Cramp Bark
Dandelion
Echinacea
Elecampane
Eucalyptus
Evening Primrose
Eyebright
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Garlic
Ginkgo
Goldenrod
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
Gravel Root
Hawthorn
Hops
Horehound
Horsetail
Hydrangea
Hyssop
Irish Moss
Juniper
Lavender
Licorice
Lobelia
Marshmallow
Milk Thistle
Motherwort
Mullein
Myrrh
Oregon Grape